Dental Bonding Q&A

88%

WORTH IT RATING

8 Reviews

Ask a Question

View Before and Afters

Average Dental Bonding Cost: $450

Learn about Dental Bonding

40 people and 86 doctors are talking about Dental Bonding

Get Free Email Updates

Bonding After Teeth Shift?

asked 1 year ago by Baltimore1983 in Baltimore, MD
Latest answer by Ronald Konig DDS
Question viewed 618 times
Tags: shifting

My problem (the reason why I needed braces) is that my teeth were spaced out (with obvious gaps) Now my teeth are straight, but a retainer is such a pain and I worry I might lose it and my teeth will shift back.. Can I technically have my teeth shift back (to its original gappiness) and then get them bonded for a hassle-free result? Or is it more complicated than that?

9 answers to Bonding After Teeth Shift?

Teeth shift back when stop wearing a retainer

It's not uncommon for the teeth to shift back when someone stops wearing a retainer, and what you suggest probably will work. Bonding will discolor and wear out over time though, so it could get expensive to redo over and over. You have already done the hard part and had braces, so I'd suggest talking to your orthodontist about options for fixed retainers. You're much better off long term keeping your straight teeth than having bonding.

Paul D. Kantor, DDS
Cleveland Cosmetic Dentist

Bonding to close a space can work, BUT

Your thought makes sense in that at present you would probably have to wear a retainer forever. The problem with just bonding closed a space between your front teeth is that it makes both teeth wider and this may not be good cosmetically. In our office in a case like yours we normally do not retract teeth to close spaces as this is not predictably stable. Instead we evaluate how we can improve tooth proportion to enhance your smile and then we use Invisalign to... more

A. Vandiveer Strait, DDS
Wilton Cosmetic Dentist

Bonding to close gaps

Yes, what you are proposing is possible and has been done. Should you not wear your retainer for 4 -6 months and allow the teeth to move to a stable position, they could then be bonded with composite resin. Depending on the proportions, the teeth might look large and the composite could chip and stain over time. Good luck.

Mickey Bernstein, DDS
Memphis Cosmetic Dentist

Shifting teeth and bonding or veneers

The real question is why your teeth are shifting? TMJ issues, tongue thrust? airway problems? sleep apnea? This tells me that your bite or something is not stable. Before making any decisions seek several consultations with qualified dentists.

Ronald Konig DDS
Houston Cosmetic Dentist

You can also have a fixed retainer

There is usually more than one option for dental treatments. It sounds like you are wearing removable retainers. Did you know that you can also have fixed bonded retainers. They take a bit more effort to keep clean, but you don't have to think about putting them in at night, and you don't have to worry about losing them. This can be a very good option for a lot of people. Bonding is another good option for straightening teeth, closing gaps etc. ... more

Martin Frankel, DDS
Toronto Cosmetic Dentist

Movement of the teeth after the orthodontic treatment

If you do not wear retainer after your orthodontic treatment, you are in a high risk for movemet of the teeth and ending up with some missalignments. I want to warn you that it's hard to predict where your teeth will end up shifting, maybe to the previos spaces but maybe not. If you are experiencing such a difficulty with your retainer, and about to give it up, obtain consultation with a restorative specialist (prosthodontist) to discuss all the possible scenarios... more

Zina Kaleinikova, DDS, MS
Cleveland Cosmetic Dentist

Closing spaces with veneers works well

It is common that people dislike wearing retainers, and without them the teeth likely WILL get gaps again. Perhaps not as bad as originally, so the solution might be simple. Many smile makeovers with porcelain veneers are done specifically to close spaces, but careful planning is needed to be sure the results do not look out of proportion.

Lance Timmerman, DMD
Seattle Cosmetic Dentist

There Are Many Types of Retainers

Once your orthodontic treatment has been completed you need to wear retainers. There are 2 kind of retainers, fixed, where they are glued in your mouth and removable. There are 2 types of removable retainers; the traditional one that covers the roof of your mouth and a see through 'Invisaglin' type. If one retainer doesn't work, try another. Congratulations on completing orthodontic treatment. It is the treatment of choice when you have spaces... more

Wendy S. Spektor, DDS
Bellevue Cosmetic Dentist

Mind the gap...

What you are explaining is what many people end up doing. They are tired of wearing the retainer and as a result, their teeth shift. Spaces can be filled with composite fillings or with porcelain veneers to close up gaps.

Randall LaFrom, DDS
San Jose Cosmetic Dentist

Ask a question